Sunderland Squad Numbers 2025/26: Full List and Changes

As Sunderland AFC prepares for the 2025/26 season, squad numbers have taken on renewed significance. The allocation of shirt numbers is more than an administrative formality—it reflects the manager's hierarchy, signals player status, and often hints at tactical plans. With the club aiming to build on recent campaigns, the numerical assignments carry the weight of history and expectation.

This guide provides the complete squad number list for the 2025/26 season, highlights notable changes from the previous campaign, and explains how the numbering system works at the Stadium of Light. Whether you are buying a shirt, tracking lineups, or following the Black Cats' progress, understanding the numbers helps you read the squad.

How Sunderland Assigns Squad Numbers

Squad numbers in English football follow Premier League regulations, which require each first-team player to have a unique number between 1 and 99 for the season. At Sunderland, the process combines tradition with practical considerations:

• Starting XI numbers: The traditional 1–11 are typically reserved for likely starters, though modern squads often see flexibility. Goalkeepers almost always take 1, 13, or 21.
• Seniority and continuity: Players returning from the previous campaign generally keep their numbers unless a change is requested or a new signing takes a lower number.
• Academy promotions: Young players breaking into the first team often receive numbers in the 30–50 range, which can change in subsequent seasons.
• New signings: Incoming transfers are assigned available numbers, with preference given to numbers that reflect their role or previous club history.

The club announces the official squad number list before the Premier League deadline, typically in early August, though changes can occur during the January transfer window.

Sunderland Squad Numbers 2025/26: Full List

Below is the squad number allocation for the 2025/26 season based on currently available information. Numbers marked with an asterisk () indicate changes from the 2024/25 campaign. Note that some numbers remain unassigned pending official announcements.

Number	Player	Position	Notes
1	Anthony Patterson	Goalkeeper	Retained from last season
2	Trai Hume	Right-back	Retained
3	Dennis Cirkin	Left-back	Retained
4	Dan Ballard	Centre-back	Retained
5	Luke O'Nien	Centre-back	Retained
6	Jobe Bellingham	Midfielder	Retained
7	Unassigned	Winger	Awaiting confirmation
8	Unassigned	Midfielder	Awaiting confirmation
9	Unassigned	Striker	Awaiting confirmation
10	Patrick Roberts	Winger	Retained
11	Unassigned	Striker	Awaiting confirmation
12	Unassigned	Goalkeeper	Awaiting confirmation
13	Nathan Bishop	Goalkeeper	Retained
14	Unassigned	Midfielder	Awaiting confirmation
15	Niall Huggins	Left-back	Retained
16	Unassigned	Midfielder	Awaiting confirmation
17	Abdoullah Ba	Midfielder	Retained
18	Unassigned	Striker	Awaiting confirmation
19	Jewison Bennette	Winger	Retained
20	Unassigned	Winger	Awaiting confirmation
21	Alex Pritchard	Attacking midfielder	Retained
22	Adil Aouchiche	Midfielder	Retained
23	Unassigned	Centre-back	Awaiting confirmation
24	Unassigned	Midfielder	Awaiting confirmation
25	Unassigned	Winger	Awaiting confirmation
26	Academy Graduate	Midfielder	TBC
27	Jay Matete	Midfielder	Retained
28	Academy Graduate	Defender	TBC
29	Unassigned	Striker	Awaiting confirmation
30	Academy Graduate	Goalkeeper	TBC
31	Academy Graduate	Midfielder	TBC
32	Academy Graduate	Forward	TBC
33	Academy Graduate	Defender	TBC
34	Unassigned	Midfielder	Awaiting confirmation
35	Academy Graduate	Forward	TBC
36	Academy Graduate	Midfielder	TBC
37	Academy Graduate	Defender	TBC
38	Academy Graduate	Goalkeeper	TBC
39	Academy Graduate	Forward	TBC
40	Academy Graduate	Midfielder	TBC

Note: As of the publication date, several numbers remain unassigned due to the summer transfer window. The final list will be updated after the window closes. All assignments depend on official club announcements and registration with the Premier League.*

Key Changes for 2025/26

Vacant Numbers from Departures

The transition to a new season has brought inevitable squad turnover. Several numbers from the previous campaign are now vacant:

• Number 7: Previously held by Jack Clarke, whose potential transfer created a vacancy. This number traditionally goes to a first-choice winger.
• Number 8: Vacant after Dan Neil's departure. A midfield playmaker number, likely to be filled by a new signing.
• Number 9: Open following Ross Stewart's injury release. The classic centre-forward number, expect a marquee striker signing.
• Number 20: Clarke's secondary number, now available for another attacking player.

Promoted Academy Players

Several academy graduates in the 30–40 range are candidates for first-team minutes, particularly in cup competitions and as squad rotation. Chris Rigg, who made his senior debut in the Championship, is seen as a future regular.

Goalkeeper Rotation

Anthony Patterson retains the number 1 shirt, confirming his status as first-choice goalkeeper. Nathan Bishop remains as backup with number 13. The club may add a third-choice goalkeeper, likely taking number 12 or 30.

What the Numbers Tell Us About the Squad

Tactical Implications

The retention of numbers 2–6 suggests continuity in the defensive structure. Trai Hume, Dennis Cirkin, Dan Ballard, and Luke O'Nien formed a solid backline in the Championship, and their unchanged numbers indicate the manager trusts that unit for the upcoming season.

The vacant attacking numbers (7, 8, 9, 14, 18, 23, 25, 29) reveal where the club is focusing its recruitment. Expect multiple attacking signings, particularly a striker (number 9) and a creative midfielder (number 8). The depth of vacancies suggests the squad will look significantly different in attack compared to last season.

Squad Depth and Rotation

With a 38-game Premier League season compared to 46 in the Championship, squad depth becomes even more critical. The academy graduates in the 30–40 range provide low-cost cover for injuries and suspensions.

The Captaincy and Leadership

Luke O'Nien, retaining number 5, is a candidate for the captaincy or vice-captaincy. His leadership qualities were evident in the Championship, and his unchanged number reflects his importance. For more on the leadership group, see our guide to the Sunderland captain and vice-captain for 2025/26.

How to Verify Squad Numbers

Squad numbers are officially confirmed through:

1. Sunderland AFC's official website: The club publishes the full squad list before the season starts.
2. Premier League registration: The league releases official squad lists with numbers after each transfer window.
3. Matchday programmes: On match days, the starting XI with numbers is printed in the programme.
4. BBC Sport and Sky Sports: These broadcasters list team sheets with numbers for televised matches.

Always check the club's official channels, as unofficial sources may contain errors, especially during the transfer window when changes are frequent.

Common Questions About Squad Numbers

Can players change numbers during the season?

Generally, no. Once registered with the Premier League, a player's number is fixed for the season unless they leave the club or are loaned out. New signings in January can take vacant numbers.

What happens if a player leaves mid-season?

The number becomes vacant and can be assigned to a new signing or an academy graduate promoted to the first team.

Do squad numbers affect playing time?

Not directly, but traditionally lower numbers (1–11) are associated with first-choice players. However, modern squads see many exceptions—Patrick Roberts wears number 10 but may not start every game.

Tracking the Full Squad

For the complete picture of the 2025/26 squad, including detailed profiles of each player, visit our players and squad profiles section. For analysis of the attacking options, see our Sunderland forwards 2025/26 profiles.

The squad numbers for Sunderland's 2025/26 campaign reflect a club in transition but building on stability. The core defensive unit remains intact, while the vacant attacking numbers signal an ambitious recruitment drive. Academy promotions demonstrate the continued importance of the Sunderland youth system.

As the summer transfer window progresses, the remaining vacancies will be filled, and the final squad number list will be confirmed before the season opener. Keep checking official channels for updates, and use this guide as your reference throughout the campaign. The numbers on the shirts may change, but the ambition at the Stadium of Light remains constant: to establish the Black Cats back in the Premier League and build for the future.